Circle Sea 1: The Pirate Maze

Chapter Ten: Entertaining Royalty

All sorts of ships sailed into the harbour from time to time. Most were working vessels, built to transport goods or to trawl for fish. Some were crewed by adventurers or explorers. Very few were designed with beauty in mind and the Nag’s Head didn’t look particularly out of place, even though it was a bit more battered than most.

The second ship that entered the harbour that afternoon was a very unusual visitor indeed. It wasn’t particularly large and only had one gun deck. It was, however, richly decorated in blue and yellow with the occasional hint of gold. The sails were fresh and new with no sign of repairs. The crew were neat and tidy, dressed in blue and white naval uniforms with matching white hats and gold tassels.

It glided gracefully past the working ships that were already docked and heads turned as it went by. At the top of each mast flew a long blue flag edged with gold, marking it out as an important ship in the Governor’s fleet.

Polly and Jim ran to the harbour wall to watch. It didn’t have a figurehead as such, but it’s name was painted on its prow - the Swift. This was a very special visitor indeed!

The crew worked smoothly together to bring the ship into dock. Lines were thrown and men jumped ashore. It was soon tied up and a gangplank was lowered to the ground with a gentle thud.

While the ship had been manoeuvring, a large crowd gathered by the dockside. Jedediah Flint, the harbourmaster, pushed his way through with his daughter following closely on his heels. He looked slightly put out by the arrival and brushed his dark clothes down and straightened the creases of his jacket.

A group of well-groomed soldiers were first to leave the ship. They marched down the gangplank in single file and took their positions in neat rows at either side. They held their heads up high and stood formally, as if on parade.

Jim and Polly had never seen real soldiers before but they were quite something. Their uniforms were crisp and smart with decorative edging, and their boots polished so that they almost shone. Each one had a musket strapped to his back which they held firmly in their hands as they stood to attention.

Once the soldiers were lined up on the quayside an officer descended gracefully from the ship. His uniform was even more finely decorated and he held an enormous hat under his arm. He was followed by two others who stood at his shoulders keeping watch.

Flint stepped forward to greet the visitors and the officer saluted before sticking out his hand.

‘Commodore West of Their Majesties’ Ship, the Swift, coming ashore,’ he said in a clipped military voice.

Flint took the offered hand and shook it briefly.

‘Welcome to our humble village, Commodore,’ he replied obsequiously. ‘May I ask what assistance we can render to the servants of the Governor?’

The Commodore nodded.

‘We are on route to the Northern Isles, and had hoped to reach Port Edward by the evening. Unfortunately, we were delayed at Evans Town by damaged rigging, so this is as far as we could reach. We will require some lodging for the night and it would be good to take on food and water.’

‘I will see to it right away,’ said the harbourmaster as he bowed politely and began to back away.

No one was watching Flint, however. The eyes of everyone in the crowd were focussed on two new figures who had appeared at the top of the gangplank.

A tall woman stepped down onto the harbour wall. She wore a long flowing dress which was decorated with intricate needlework patterns. Her thick blonde hair flowed to her shoulders and her blue eyes gazed confidently out over the village.